Click to enlarge photos.By Ashley Hungerford
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer
MARIETTA - Allegations of sex with a court employee in a judge's chambers and sex at a hotel with a 19-year-old employee are just two of many sexual allegations against former Court Administrator Skip Chesshire detailed in a 48-page report released by the county on Tuesday, following a six-month investigation.
The county hired Fisher and Phillips, an Atlanta law firm specializing in labor law, to conduct the investigation in February at the request of the Superior Court judges after the county received a signed letter from a county employee alleging sexual improprieties by Chesshire.
County spokeman Robert Quigley said the county, as of July, had paid Fisher and Phillips approximately $50,000 in fees.
Mairen Kelly, a partner with the firm, led the investigation.
"The detailed and comprehensive investigative report speaks for itself," said Chief Superior Court Judge S. Lark Ingram. "It is important that these issues are resolved. Employees of the Superior Court deserve a workplace free of harassment. In the face of these serious allegations, the Superior Court judges have strengthened and reaffirmed our policies and procedures with the intent of preventing this type of issue in the future."
Chesshire, 54, served as court administrator for 22 years, earning a salary of $142,500. He planned to retire in April, but retired from his position in February shortly before the county launched the investigation.
When reached by phone on Tuesday, Chesshire referred all questions to his attorney, Diane Wood.
Chesshire said he hadn't seen the report, and was a little amazed that he was still making news.
"After six months, you'd think they would have forgotten about me," he said.
Wood said, while she hasn't yet read through the report, "whatever Chesshire denies in the report, he would still stand firm to deny now."
The report includes statements from witnesses who came forward after the investigation was launched. Some of the witnesses presented allegations of sexual and managerial misconduct by Chesshire. None of the witnesses names are used in the report for reasons of confidentiality.
Two men and five women contacted investigators to support Chesshire. Investigators also interviewed Chesshire.
As stated throughout the report, Chesshire either denies the allegations or does not comment on them.
In the report, several witnesses allege sexual misconduct by Chesshire in and around the court administrator's office from 1990 until his retirement, including three separate witnesses who allege they engaged in sexual activities with Chesshire while working for him. All three witnesses were described as credible by the investigators.
One witness said in the early 1990s, when she was a 19-year-old working in the court administrator's office, said she met Chesshire at a nearby hotel, during business hours, for sex.
Another witness, who worked as an intern for several months some time between 1995 to 2000, alleges that Chesshire "regularly had sex with her during the business day in empty offices and conference rooms at the courthouse."
The report states that the witness was 18 years old at the time. The witness said they had sex in a judge's chambers while that judge was on vacation.
A third witness, whose age was not included in the report, alleges that over a two-year period she regularly met Chesshire in his office, behind locked doors, to perform oral sex. These acts occurred while the witness was employed at the court administrators office.
In an "across-the-board denial," Chesshire denies all three witnesses allegations,a ccording to the report.
All three said they didn't report the sexual misconduct for fear of losing their job and retaliation.
After taking the witnesses allegations and Chesshire's denial, investigators said, "the weight of the evidence on the allegations of misconduct, is in favor of the witnesses/alleged victims."
Five female employees also alleged in the report that, from 1990 to 2008, they received obscene telephone calls from Chesshire, many reportedly made from his office during business hours.
One witness, the same one who said she met Chesshire at a hotel, submitted a tape-recorded call that was allegedly made by Chesshire. She said she kept the tape for all these years, "on the possibility that, at some point, allegations of sexual/predatory conduct by Cheshire might 'come out.'"
Two of the women who alleged receiving obscene calls also stated in the report that during a lunch with Chessire, "he uncouraged that he flirt with one another and experiment with lesbian sex."
Once again, the witnesses said fear of losing their jobs and retaliation prevented them from reporting the calls.
"The weight of the evidence, particularly in light of tape-recorded statements which go far beyond 'racy' or 'risque' and, in this investigator's view, would be deemed obscene and indicate that the calls did in fact take place," the report states. "The evidence is that the employees stated their beliefs, with credible sincerity, that they felt their future engagement would be similarly jeopardized if the calls/caller were rejected."
The report also includes sexual allegations of making explicit comments, improper touching and the showing of pornographic pictures during business hours.
Investigators also respond to allegations made against Chesshire's managerial skills including concerns of his alleged favoritism to "attractive young women" and time card violations.
Investigators found "confirmed" evidence that one court administrator employee was allowed to work a four-day work week, while reporting five days on the county time card and being paid for all five.
Several witnesses also claim they were assigned to do personal tasks for Chesshire, including assisting in his children's' homework assignments.
The report disputes claims made that several judges and county commissioners were aware of Chesshire's behavior.
"This investigation finds no credible evidence to indicate that the judges or commissioners (or other public officials) knew or had reason to know of misconduct that had been the subject of these recent complaints," the report states.
Investigators did say an "over-confidence and over-trust" in Chesshire developed after many years of "exemplary service."
As stated in the report, Cobb Chairman Sam Olens said the Commissioners have no authority over the court administrator.
Olens said on Tuesday he had not yet seen the report, but said he "hoped it was thorough."
The report does say where the system failed was a breakdown in the reporting system.
The court administrator position is appointed by the Judges Council, which is composed of the 10 Superior Court judges. Duties include administering policies set by the Judges Council, implementing the court's budget, supervising all supporting court departments and coordination with other courts for judicial assistance. The court administrator's office overseas approximately 40 county employees.
In March, Tom Charron, a former Cobb district attorney, became interim court administrator. Since the investigation began, Charron said the court administrator's staff has undergone new training in discrimination and harassment. The office has also readopted the county's policies, Charron said.
"I've stressed zero tolerance for discrimination and harassment," Charron said.
At the direction of the Judges Council, new training and expanding reporting procedures for managerial duties have been put in place in the court administrator's office.
Wood said she didn't believe the report on her client would have much impact on Chesshire's life now.
"He's retired from Cobb County and I don't think he'll be applying for another position in the county," she said. "He enjoyed working for Cobb County, but I don't think the report is relevant to his life now. He's got other things going on in his life now."
Quigley said this report will not effect Chesshire's retirement benefits. Quigley said the county is not seeking action against Chesshire regarding managerial misconduct or other allegations of incidents that may have occurred while working at the administator's office.
Chesshire said he now owns a private business for business investments and business purchases, and splits his time between Cobb County and Charleston, S.C.
ahungerford@mdjonline.com
See the report HERE
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Posted Comments
Now I know why the CC judges all had such attractive staff members- they were Chessire's victim pool!
Gee, what a shock. A powerful person in the system that uses his position to get what he wants. That is the basics of government folks. Whether it is sex or verbally beating up your subordinates, when some folks get to a certain level, all common sense and ethics leaves the brain. I bet this happens all over the county government
Observing Mr. Chessire's actions while I was serving jury duty in 2006 made me suspicious of this very thing. He was very "flirtatious" and overly friendly with the several attractive females in the halls (waiting areas) around the court rooms. During his service for the county he was praised as exemplary, but now it appears he may have "issues". The old adage "actions speak louder than words" comes to mind.
Apparently the womens jobs were worth more to them than their self-respect. To all women, quit allowing yourself to be abused.
Skip was making obscene phone calls to the staff of judges and the staff of the clerk of the Superior Court way back in the 1980's.
small town politics in the sense that he abused his position and many young woman for years with no consequences. Each woman should bring civil suits against him and the county. These things just don't happen in a vacuum.
It is unbelievable that Chesshire's supervisors, Judges, would have provided so little oversight of his conduct. They are clearly accountable for his performance as a manager. It is my guess that those who evaluated him gave him high marks for job performance, while at the same time he was intimating and harassing employees. And, yet, the judges, find regard themselves blameless. My guess is they hold those that appear before them to a much higher standard...
I worked for Mr. Chesshire for over 3 years and NEVER had any issues. He was supportive and was a great mentor. It's ashame that this nonsense is being spread about him. He promoted the Judges of the Superior Court, and provided them with the highest salaries of any Judge in the nation. Ironic how there were no complaints then, and now all of a sudden. Very questionable. In my opinnion he is being made a scape goat. What ashame.
Oh my, Looks like all that practice at the Leadership Cobb retreats really paid off.
What a loser. He should not even receive retirement from the county since he used his job as a means to satisfy his sex addiction. The courthouse was his playroom. He is pathetic.
This has to be a SOFT WIMPY person.(not a man) That will use his posistion to obtain SEX.
I agree with Joe - How hard would it be to get another job - I would eat dirt before I would put up with what he dished out, unless I was interested in what he had to offer - I think the women that had sex with him and even performed oral sex certainly were not innocent! Skip and his "victims" deserved each other, but the citizens of CC certainly deserve better that this! What a bunch of creeps -
Former Cobb Employee - Maybe he just didn't like you, "like that" - I find it hard to believe that so many people would get together and make-up lies about good ole Chip - You can't be that dumb!
Attorney Woods says that the report will not affect his life now--is she kidding? Is anyone thinking about the embarrassment and humiliation to his wife and children?
Why else would any young attractive woman work at the court house? The pay is abysmal. They are ALL there to try to land a man with a high paying job (attorneys or whoever they can get their hands on). This guy took advantage of them instead of the other way around. So what? Who cares? They need to pay people more so they will work there for working there rather than hoping to land an attorney.
It seems to me that if those people who are serving on the jury is aware and suspect of Mr. Chesshire's inappropriate flirtations, how in the world was everyone who works with him both male and female be so blind to his "seedy" behaviors. Word travels fast.
From what I have heard and seen of the court system, this is typical. We are all being taken for a ride. Mr. Chesshire must be held accountable for his actions as a servant of Cobb County Government. These "helpers" of Mr. Chesshire are certainly not innocent since they went along with his shenanigans without reporting them at the time of his indiscretions. Shame on the Superior Court Judges of Cobb County, of whom he reported to, for turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to his personal actions while on duty for the county. To bad he will not lose his retirement compensation. I believe we the taxpayers hold our public servants to a higher degree of accountability, and he should forfeit what he has disgraced through his shameless actions. What a laughing stock we are to the state of Georgia for supporting such a "fine man."
Being the father of one of Mr. Chessire's intended victims, all I can say is.... can you say castration??
So if there is not going to be any retaliation agains't him why did my tax dollars pay for a investigation that means nothing in the end? Thanks for wasting our money Cobb. How about you revoke his retirement since he wasted our money during his time on the bench. Obviously if he was getting freaky with the staff HE WAS NOT WORKING!!!!
If true - Mr. Chesshire's behavior was despicable ! Shame, shame, shame. What next ? Cobb County has spent $50,000 for a through investigation finding that no one managed Mr. Chesshire and he clearly exploited his Cobb County position to take sexual advantage of his control over these young women. I would hope that the rule of law that applies to high school coaches, teachers and such would apply to him - since some of the women were high school interns - Retirement benefits are earned by long term loyal and honorable service - clearly not the case for decades for this dispeciable behavior by a depraved man! Current Administrator Tom Charron, having a solid history of successfully protecting the citizens of Cobb as District Attorney, can correct the current lack of management oversight and suggest legal actions that current District Attorney Patrick Head can pursue !
The employee that worked 4 days and turned in time cards for five days, for years... why would she not be made to re-pay that money? That was tax payer money... paid to an employee for years that did not work 40 hours as turned in... is that not criminal activity? why is she still there now? and I hear one of her existing duties is to review time cards of all employees... kidding me? right? Why is she still employed? I can only imagine she must have been having relations with the boss also - probably still is... and his wife still works there? Skips wife? how can she still be there after reviewing the findings of the report? UNBELIEVABLE!!!
To the earlier posted comment: I'm actually not dumb at all, I am well educated, infact I have a law degree. Isn't it odd that Skip was there for over 20 years, and there were never any complaints prior to these allegations. People, don't believe everything that you read. Politics is a dirty game. I can speak from experience as I did work directly for him (for over 3 years), and never had anything but a positive experience. It is incredulous that people are willing to make comments about a person and their life without any first hand knowledge. And just for the record, yes I am a female, and yes I am attractive... and NO he was never inappropriate in his behavior towards me. He did an outstanding job as Court Administrator and Cobb County, the Judges, and the citizens were fortunate to have him.
Joe, unless you have ever been a single mother trying to feed a family, do NOT get on your high horse about what you would or would not do or tolerate. Women for years have had to endure both subtle and flagrant harassment. Skip, if he is guilty as accused, took advantage of his position of authority. There is NO excuse. Look at the entire report. He abused his position and the trust that goes with it. It wasn't all about the the hugs and kisses. It was about the hostile work environment. As a former Cobb County employee, I am appalled. I am also distressed that our judges were so out of touch.
Chesshire's behavior is par for the course for the upper levels who work at the Cobb County Courthouse (those who are almost anything but clerks). Don't think the other uppers didn't know what Chesshire was doing. They all look out for and cover up for each other. They think the Cobb County court system is their personal province, and that's how they treat it. Only the "clickist" can get into the upper level Cobb County courthouse system, and anyone who isn't so connected can not infiltrate. The Attorney General or some type of Inspector General should investigate what goes on in the Cobb County court system. Again, those in the upper level think that's their personal domain, not the public's.
He was a jerk still is and will always be. Yes people did his kids homework and projects at his court and his wife's.
Skip Chesshire should be considered a sexual predator who has been allowed to get away with his repulsive behavior. The young women who were sexually exploited by this man were undoubtedly afraid that they would suffer the loss of their jobs or retaliation. After all, Mr. Chessire was highly respected by his colleagues who apparently felt the need to look the other way when he was found it necessary to go looking for women to prey upon. Cobb County Government would like us to just let this issue go away, while we citizens pay out his retirement benefits despite his blatant misconduct. This is a sad commentary for our county. All those who have ignored or covered up Mr. Chesshire's actions are guilty of their own moral corruption.
I wish I had taken a former student's comments more serious when she came back to visit her teachers. I am in total shock and feel really studid.
unfortunately the judges DID know - if any of them told the investigator that they had never heard at least the rumors about Skip, they did not tell the truth.
of course, it is easy for adults sitting at their computers to judge these young women, but a high school student encountering this behavior from a man older than her parents might not be equipped to handle the situation. please consider the ages/life experiences of these young women. he was OBVIOUSLY a predator who sought out young women he thought were "safe" and look how right he was for so long. applause to the person who finally came forward.
To Larry Flynt: This is NOT common of government employees. The majority are hard-working, dedicated public servants. We're not in it for the money, believe me. My Chessire's reported behavior, if proven valid, is inexcusable. However, don't pretend this only happens in the public sector. Can you imagine how often this goes on in corporate America?
Thank God for a lead lawyer like Mairen Kelly from Fisher and Phillips to head up the investigation against this pervert! Let's see what kind of impact she'll have on his life now! HAH! Chesshire had better "Skip" town now that he's been exposed. Good luck with those "other things going on in your life now," Skippy!
Skip Chesshire has been a disgrace for years at the court. The majority of the people working there knew something was going on, but not to the specifics as reported in the papers. The investigator is wrong when she states the judges did not know about it. Some did and chose to look the other way. He ran a hostile environment and should be puhished for it. Shame on Cobb county for not going forward with somekind of justice, for the females that he abused. Hopefully, the parents of the young interns will sue him. He has money. I am so sick and hired of the 'good ole boy system as it exists in the south. Shame on Cobb County. This should hit the national press,then we will see what Cobb County does.
This is beyond disgusting. This callow abuser now acts surprised that anyone would remember what he did after six months. Well, Skip, you might have been an exemplary administrator but you will forever be known also as a serial abuser, sexual predator, and all around dishonest person. But what is most galling is that the 40 page report is more a cover-up of judges and staff in the court, who must have known of this 20+ year playground. And what of his colleagues, friends, associates, and local media who also must also have known but chose to look the other way?
A relative of mine who once worked with the Cobb County court told me for many years about some of the allegations that are currently coming to light at this time. There are many people who have known about these allegations and others for some time. He had a lot of power within the county and many were afraid of him for various reasons. Many county employees chose not to come forward and may never come forward because they either fear repercussions or felt loyalty due to favors received. Why is the county not investigating managerial misconduct?
is there really no way to punish this man? the taxpayers of Cobb County will be paying this creep's pension for life?!?! after preying on the county's high school interns?!?!
Funny how some of the very same people who complained about time card and pay favoritism are STILL there taking days off and getting paid for full weeks. Maybe the new administrator should take a close look at his current employees.
The statement made by Commissioner Olens that the Commissioners have no authority over the court administrator is very misleading. The Commissioners are tasked with the duty to insure ALL employees are not mistreated. They also control the budget for all departments whether elected or appointed. We all know he or she who controls the money has the power. Chesshire has abused the government criminally, morally and civilly, and was paid for doing so. No wonder he loved his job so much. He is getting thousands an month at tax payer’s expense for these yet unpunished acts. This is wrong and something needs to be done. The Commissioners need to get our much needed tax money from Chesshire through the retirement he does not deserve.
there is a good old boy network in the management of cobb government. I am an employee of cobb county and can tell you that if you report a complaint against someone who is well liked you put yourself at risk. I believe In over 14 years that someone new something and it was overlooked. Cobb county has rules in place but these rules do not apply to everyone an example commissioner kesting comes to mind. Cobb county management touts these rules to their employees but they are only for the rank and file not for the powers that be. If an employee does follow the chain of command odds are good they will be choked by that chain
Now we pay his retirement and the settlements for his victims. Skippy does not deserve to get one dime. Skippy was allowed to retire when an employee without a buddy somewhere would have been fired.
You know what I find most ironic... It's the fact that many of you who post here question the "guilt" of the "victims" because they didn't come forward early on. You question the fortitude of 18 and 19 year olds because they didn't speak up and you do this while YOU POST ANONYMOUSLY! When will people practice what they preach, and if you have some convictions in which you feel are honorable, then proudly stand behind them with your face showing. In other words, Lead by example!
skip has a friend in J.C. and I don't mean Jesus Christ
The settlements should be paid out of his retirement funds. He really does not deserve any more of Cobb County's money. The investigation should be partly paid out of his retirement also. This would be a great case for Court TV if it got that far.
gee..was this report released after certain people were assured of reelection. Hmmmmmmmmmm.....
so many of us are outraged by this...what are we going to do about it? i agree with posted that said this should go to the national media. and he should not receive retirement from the county--that is absurd after the way he treated his position, the court, and these young women. we can't let him get away with this.
This is not a suprise. If you are around the Court house you saw it. He used his "power" to get what he wanted. He not only got homework done and projects for his kids but he got classes taken on line for his son. Juvenile Court which was under him and his wife works there and the same thing did and still is taking place there. Projects, homework and classes being done for his children. What a great role model they are.
I hope this is not the end of this.
I agree that this story should go national. That's the only way Skippy is going to be punished because Cobb County doesn't have the guts or inclination to do anything about him. The top eschelon of the Cobb County court system should be wiped clean. They're really all crooks, and only the underlings or "little people" get punished. Cobb Couny needs to get some integrity and show it. The Cobb County government doesn't have its citizens best interests at heart. Let's remember them next time, voters.
Surely the County will take away his retirement and the DA will charge him with theft of county funds for falsifying the time cards - wouldn't that happen to average joe?
To add insult to the taxpayers' injury, the county spent $50,000+ for what is basically a CYA report for the Superior Court judges! Most if not all of them knew about Skip's "habits" (as did the local media--remember the glowing story about his retirement?). Even if you give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they didn't know how sick he really is, they knew more than enough to fire him years ago. And he would have been, in the corporate world. Keep this in mind, fellow voters! Our votes are the only way to hold the judges accountable for allowing this pervert to act out his fantasies on the taxpayers' dime.
To Public Servant- You are right, you are not in it for the money. You are in it for the low expectations, benefits and retirement. I have worked in both public and private sectors and there are unethical things in both, but the public side does not stress efficiency or productivity and allows things like this to happen. Have you worked in a position where showing up to work and being productive is how you are judged instead of placing a mirror under your nose to see if it fogs? That is the typical government evaulation. "Hey look, they must be breathing because the mirror fogged, give 'em a raise!" Instead of addressing problems, they move people to try to rid a problem before it gets in the paper. In this case, it is obvious that if Skip would have stuck around he would have taken alot of heat. He got out of the kitchen. So yes, things happen every where, but in the public sector, we pay for it.
Again, one in a position of power and authority has, arguably, not only chosen to abuse said position and authority but has been, and will continue to be, protected from such (non)malfeasance of office by his judicial cronies ...how else could he get away with it for such a long period of time without tacit if not silent approval! Additionally, I ask was this a pattern of behavior that his wife --administrator of the juvenile court of cobb county--was aware of and/or encouraged? Consider, could such activities have been encouraged by the wife? Nonesense you say. Well, has anyone asked the Chesshire's if they were swingers? If the judicially administrative couple are swingers perhaps a thorough investigation of the Cobb Juvenile Court is also in order.
I can't believe that CC would pay $50,000.00 for something this meaningless. If you don't plan to prosecute, why bother? All I can see that was done was name calling and mud slinging. What if "Skip" is innocent? This report has successfully destroyed his reputation, and put CC on the front page for all to point their finger at the system. What a waste of time, energy, and money!
You are naive, if you think Chesshire is the only overpaid county employee in a postion of trust guilty of this type of behvior. He is the only one who has been caught recently.
I think his wife needs to be investigated too. She has done so many wrong things.
Note to "ethical management in public service?"- what type of fool do you have to be to raise the question about a wife being a "swinger" when you have no knowledge whatsoever, and it hasn't been remotely alleged? Who do you think you are?
People look deep in your heart. How would you feel if this was your spouse, parent, beother, sister or child? Let us not cast stones unless we have no skealtons in our closet. I know Mrs. Chesshire and she is one of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet, their daughter is a sweety too. The son is nice but different and as for Mr. Chesshire I do not know him that well. Lets stop casting stones and let the process work.